New York Jets running back Chris Ivory talks about facing his former team

New York Jets Running Back Chris Ivory Conference Call with New Orleans Media Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Now that you are healthy, how do you feel like you are fitting in with this offense?

“Being healthy I feel pretty good and hope to stay that way.”

Is the hamstring injury in training camp the same one that bothered you with the Saints?

“Yes, it was the one, the side it’s one I’ve had the foot injury on this side, the sports hernia on this side, so I think it’s kind of imbalanced. It’s something I really have to stay on top of. That’s what I’ve been trying to do. Every day after practice I have to do something to make sure it stays loose. So it’s more prone to that type of injury if I don’t stay on top of it.”

What has this opportunity with the Jets meant to you?

“It’s another phase, another part of my career. I’m going to be here for three years and I’m looking to be productive. It’s just been tough these past couple of weeks. I just want to be consistent at what I do. It’s a pain thing. Everything starts up front offensively with our guys. That’s what I’m looking to do, to be consistent.”

Do you have any extra motivation playing against your former team this week?

“No, no extra motivation. I’ll treat it like any other game. I was with New Orleans, loved it there, but I think I’ll treat it like any other game, any more or any less. I’m treating it like any other game.”

Is that easy to do or do you have to focus more?

“No, I don’t have to, it’s just any other game.”

When you left New Orleans did Sean Payton or Mickey Loomis say they enjoyed having you at all or anything like that?

“Yes, Sean told me he enjoyed having me there. He loved everything I did and just allowed the move to happen. That’s pretty much it.”

Why did they say they couldn’t keep you?

“They didn’t really say.”

Did you look forward to receiving more opportunities with the Jets?

“I wasn’t upset at all. It was an opportunity for me to come over here. They still have five running backs. They’re still playing just three. It was just crowded. I think he (Payton) knew coming in there were too many backs to let me sit around. Time was going by. No, I was happy with what he did and now I’m here trying to make great things happen.”

Did you ever ask the Saints for a trade or did you feel like you could be the number one guy here?

“I didn’t ask for a trade, but I just felt like it was time for other moves, but at the same time I had to go through them. I didn’t ask for it, but yet again it was a crowded backfield, so I was happy with the move.”

Did you feel like the writing was on the wall?

“Yes. I was receiving that opportunity. He (Sean Payton) gave me that same opportunity. No hard feelings. They loved everything they did there. I don’t think he really wanted it to go through. I think he and his staff thought some things through and that was probably the best thing for them to do.”

How do you explain your team’s inconsistency and get some more consistency?

“It’s a couple plays every game. We just have to come play. We have to be consistent. It’s easy to say, but at the same time it takes a unit, it takes the whole offense and everybody being on the same page, but I don’t really know how you get over that besides just coming together and being consistent.”

What do you think of the Saints defense compared to the defense last year?

“I’m not sure. I haven’t seen them play much. Based off statistics, it looks like it’s improved a lot. They have a couple new guys. From what I see on paper they look pretty good and what I’ve seen on film.”